FedEx, Volvo Test U.S. Truck ‘Platoons’ to Catch Up to Europe

FedEx Corp. is trying out new technology to tighten spacing between freight trucks traveling on the highway as a way to increase safety, relieve traffic congestion and reduce fuel consumption. The test of a technique called “platooning” involves three Volvo AB trucks pulling FedEx trailers separated by about 140 feet on a North Carolina toll road. “Most of all it’s a technology that we believe will enhance the safety of our vehicles,’’ said John Smith, chief of FedEx’s freight unit, in a telephone interview.